Issues Facing Virginia Businesses in 2019

Here’s a preview of some of the issues we’ll take on in next year’s session of the General Assembly:

TAX REFORM

The unknown aspect of federal tax reform is the opportunity for state lawmakers to make significant tax changes on the state level. Many states are reporting the budgetary impact of federal tax reform means their state will experience enhanced state revenue.

NFIB will work with legislators to ensure that Virginia takes advantage of this windfall to reform Virginia’s tax system and ultimately reduce taxes.

NFIB will also continue to advocate for the full elimination of the Business, Professional & Occupational License Tax (BPOL) which is a gross receipts tax regardless if the business has made a profit for the year.

INCREASE IN LABOR & EMPLOYMENT MANDATES PROPOSALS

2018 saw an increase in the number of proposals to impose additional mandates on small businesses related to labor and employment practices. Many of these proposals are backed by the unions and other progressive groups. These proposals would make it harder to utilize independent contractors, would make small businesses the target of lawsuits, create additional paperwork and increased compliance costs.

RISING HEALTHCARE COSTS

With Congress failing to repeal and replace the ACA, NFIB will continue to pursue solutions at the state level to provide relief from rising healthcare premiums.